Old Carved Ladies Leg (Large Pipe Tamper?) cut and folded paper with the sphere at center

with the sphere at center providing the perfect spot to grip should one wish to aim it and send it flying (though I'd suggest not

When I first spotted this wonderful little carved wooden boot I guessed it was a snuff box

The newspaper is very brittle with lots of tears

There is one small knick in the wood on the rear side of the larger

sorrowful expression on his hand-painted face

Old Carved Ladies Leg (Large Pipe Tamper?) cut and folded paper with the sphere at centerIt would have been a pretty big pipe that this carving would have tamped, presuming that was its original purpose, but in any event it makes a pretty great tabletop carving now, resting on the flat end, and also balancing on the knee either heel up or toe down! I love the shape and detailing on the low heeled, tall boot, and there is some texture to the leg, too, as if wearing thickly knit tights! 3 7 8" tall measured knee to foot (as displayed) x 2 1